Senior Technical Specialist - DMPK in Saffron Walden

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well‑being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Senior Technical Specialist – DMPK

A highly experienced lab and office‑based bioanalyst providing wide in‑depth scientific and technical expertise to both multidisciplinary integrated Drug Discovery projects and standalone DMPK projects. This role combines hands‑on bioanalytical expertise with project leadership, mentoring and continuous improvement responsibilities to support small and large molecule drug discovery programmes.

Main Tasks

• Developing, optimising and executing the bioanalysis of samples from in vivo DMPK studies for small and large molecule drug discovery projects in an early discovery setting.
• Extensive knowledge of modern UPLC‑MS systems and software including chromatographic method development.
• Demonstrated ability to perform routine and complex troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimisation of mass spectrometry and LC equipment, ensuring reliable operation and rapid resolution of technical issues.
• Experience in the analysis of different sample types such as plasma, blood, brain, lung, bile, faeces, urine.
• Demonstrated experience of pharmacokinetic parameter determination and an understanding of the underlying principles.
• Comprehensive troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills using both technical and scientific expertise.
• Strong organisation and time management skills alongside an inbuilt flexibility to adapt to change.
• Excellent communication skills and be an effective team player; these will be essential to successful execution of projects whilst working in a matrix and multi‑skilled environment.
• Lead scientific and technical projects, ensuring delivery of high‑quality data to agreed timelines.
• Drive innovation through the development of novel assays, protocols and analytical approaches.
• Mentor, coach and develop colleagues, acting as a technical role model and recognised subject‑matter expert.

Qualifications and Experience

• BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific area.
• Industry experience in pharma, biotech or other commercial organisations.
• Expert user of Mass Spectrometry instrumentation.
• Experience in the bioanalytical method development of challenging analytes, in complex matrices.
• Accurate & diligent experimental planning, execution and troubleshooting.
• Good communication skills (verbal/written) internally and externally.
• Excellent team player.
• Positive ‘can do’ attitude. Creative problem solving.
• Ability to plan & execute work independently.
• Project management.
• Experience of guiding/mentoring junior colleagues.
• LC‑MS/MS maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Bespoke method development for small molecules.

What We Offer You

Charles River Laboratories provides a competitive benefits package starting from day one of employment.

Financial & Retirement: Highly competitive pension contribution packages, group life assurance, bonus and group income protection.

Health & Wellness: Private medical insurance (often extending to family members), private dental care, 24/7 remote GP access, and critical illness cover.

Work‑Life Balance: Generous parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements depending on business needs, and the option to buy or sell annual leave.

Additional Perks: Cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, paid professional development and training opportunities, and a dedicated employee assistance programme for well‑being support.